It’s that time of year again—temperatures are climbing, days are glowing brighter, and you’re savoring every sunny moment outdoors. Yes, all signs point to summer approaching! Ree Drummond once said, “If your summer is anything like mine was as a child, you’re sitting next to a sparkling pool, sipping a Shirley Temple, working on your tan, and relishing three months of absolute freedom, no responsibilities, and easy living.”
That does sound like the perfect way to spend the warmer seasons! But as the months drag on and the heat only intensifies, sometimes you’d rather stay inside with the AC on full blast—unless, of course, you’re channeling Ree by diving into cool water or keeping an icy drink in hand. It's on those unbearably hot days when no summer activities seem to help beat the heat, you might have heard or even used the expression: "dog days of summer."
But what does that popular summer saying actually mean? Here's a little secret: No, it has nothing to do with the Drummond dogs—or all those hot dogs you're sure to grill at your upcoming cookouts. 😂 Surprisingly enough, the meaning behind "dog days of summer" is actually rooted in history and science! How's that for summer trivia? If you're intrigued, keep reading for more background on the phrase and why exactly we say it!
What Are the Dog Days of Summer?
While it does invoke images of panting dogs lazing around in the heat (much like Duke in his doggy pool and George in his splash pad), the idiom "dog days of summer" is not at all about our furry little friends. Instead, the term refers to the hottest days of the year or the last months of summer here in the Northern Hemisphere.
As Folklore goes:
Dog Days bright and clear
Indicate a happy year;
But when accompanied by rain,
For better times, our hopes are vain.
According to the Old Farmer's Almanac, the Ancient Greeks and Romans believed the "dog days" to be a time of misfortune plagued by drought and unrest as animals and people alike were driven mad by the unbearably hot temperatures. Though it sure is hot, the phrase no longer holds such a negative connotation and instead solely refers to the peak temperatures we see in late summer.
What's the Meaning Behind "Dog Days of Summer?"
Keeping with the canine theme, the phrase "dog days of summer" is actually a reference to Sirius (the Dog Star) which is part of the constellation, Canis Major (the Greater Dog). As Sirius is the brightest star in the night sky and quite literally means "scorching," when those in ancient civilizations noticed that it began to rise with the sun after the summer solstice, they thought the sweltering days were caused by the Earth's proximity to the star.
The Ancient Greeks and Romans then began to refer to the late summer period of July 3 to August 11 as "dies caniculares" or "dog star days." Even though the heliacal rising of Sirius doesn't begin until mid-August nowadays, the translated and trimmed saying seems to have stuck. Over in Ancient Egypt, the dawn rising of Sirius, known to the Egyptians as Sothis, aligned with the flood season of the Nile River. They viewed the star as a symbolic "watchdog" for this significant event.
Now it's clear, of course, that Sirius's appearance has no impact on Earth's seasonal weather. Despite this, its emergence during the peak of summer heat has cemented its place in enduring lore. 🐕
When Are the Dog Days of Summer?
Though the dates o can vary depending on the source, they are traditionally linked to the heliacal rising of Sirius, which has shifted over time. However, they are generally recognized as taking place in mid-to-late summer. According to the Old Farmer’s Almanac, the Dog Days are the 40 days starting on July 3 and ending on August 11. This period follows the summer solstice in late June, marking the onset of peak summer heat.
What's the Science Behind the Dog Days of Summer?
You probably guessed it by now, but the extra toasty temperatures of the "dog days" really have nothing to do with the bright star either. Rather, those have everything to do with the Earth's tilt. During summer in the Northern Hemisphere, the tilt of the Earth towards the Sun causes the Sun's rays to strike the Northern Hemisphere at a more direct angle for longer periods of time. This, in turn, leads to longer and hotter days during the summer months—sorry, Sirius!
Here's another cool fact: The Earth will continue to slightly wobble as it rotates, thus shifting the planet. That means one day, Sirius will instead rise with the sun during the last months of the year. Thankfully, that's very far in the future, so we won't have to start saying "dog days of winter" anytime soon!
Macie Reynolds is the assistant editor of E-Commerce and SEO for The Pioneer Woman.
